The Lady Spikers asserted their mastery from the get-go.
In what was dubbed as a grudge match between the protagonists of the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball finals, the girls in green came out victorious this time.
After bowing to the National University Lady Bulldogs last season, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers gained a measure of revenge by way of a dominant 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 win at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
“Siyempre sobrang saya namin kasi tyinaga talaga namin. Ginawa naming motivation 'yung last season,” said Mars Alba, who had 20 excellent sets as La Salle wrapped up the first round with an immaculate 7-0 win-loss record.
Interim coach Noel Orcullo said they didn’t expect a straight-sets victory against the reigning champions. The Lady Spikers simply came out with a winners’ mindset.
“Hindi ko inaasahan 'yung ma-straight sets namin sila. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, stick to the plan. Kung ano inaral natin, dun tayo,” he said.
“They played with pride. Sabi ko 'di pwedeng magpa-intimidate tayo dahil last year hindi tayo nakakuha ng set, different team na tayo ngayon.”
Alba echoed his sentiments.
“Actually hindi [in-expect ang sweep]. Nag-stick lang talaga kami sa sistema ni coach, pinagkatiwalaan namin sitema nila coach and ayun resulta,” she said.
After their masterful opening frame, Orcullo was expecting a massive comeback from the Lady Bulldogs. It didn’t come. His theory was pressure might have gotten to their heads.
“Siguro na-pressure lang sila. Nagco-commit sila ng errors e, unforced errors. Hindi ko ine-expect 'yun,” he said.
“Akala ko nga makakabalik sila second set e, alam ko mag-a-adjust sila. Sabi ko sa mga bata ready lang kayo sa adjustment nila.”
The two will face each other right away at the onset of the second round on March 25.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)